Former Comets' star Swoopes to face old team tonight

WNBASwoopes back in town to face former team tonight

Published 5:30 am, Saturday, June 14, 2008

When Sheryl Swoopes steps on the court at Reliant Arena tonight, it will be the first time she has played professionally in Houston as anything other than a Comet.

The former Comet signed with Seattle in early March after spending 10 years in Houston.

"It's exciting to get back to Houston and see my old fans," Swoopes said.

Swoopes, a 6-0 guard/forward, took the floor against her former team June 1 in Seattle, scoring two points in the Storm's 64-63 victory. She hopes to be at her best tonight in front of what figures to be a faithful following.

Swoopes played little last year for the Comets, missing all but the opening three games with a back injury.

"I missed out last year and didn't get to play for the fans," she said. "Then it was time to move on, so I hope to have a good game this time."

It's not unusual for Houston sports stars to finish their careers in a different uniform. Two Houston sports icons — Hall of Fame running back Earl
Campbell and Hall of Fame centerHakeem Olajuwon — ended their careers with forgettable final seasons for other teams.

Photo: Frank Franklin II, AP

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Former Comets' star Sheryl Swoopes, left, returns to Houston tonight as a member of the Seattle Storm.

Former Comets' star Sheryl Swoopes, left, returns to Houston tonight as a member of the Seattle Storm.

Photo: Frank Franklin II, AP

Former Comets' star Swoopes to face old team tonight

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"It's going to be interesting to see this," Rockets guard and Comets fan Steve Francis said. "I never thought I'd see Sheryl Swoopes playing with another team."

A star switching teams isn't unusual in the WNBA, either. San Antonio guard Becky Hammon played eight years in New York before being traded to San Antonio last year. Hammon said Swoopes can expect a wave of bittersweet feelings.

"When I first went back to New York, I got a warm welcome from the fans, and it was a little sad for a minute because I had so many good memories there," Hammon said. "Sheryl is going to go through those same feelings, I bet."

But Hammon expects Swoopes to show a little fire, too.

"Sheryl is such a competitor anyway," she said. "You get the added motivation when it's in front of your old teammates and coaches and fans. You want to play at the top of your game."

Guard Tamecka Dixon spent nine years in Los Angeles before joining the Comets during free agency last July. She said her game seems to elevate every time she sees the Sparks.

"It's just a natural thing," Dixon said. "You want to play your best, prove yourself in front of your former fans and teammates."

Swoopes, 37, was part of four championship teams with the Comets.

She was a three-time MVP (2000, 2002 and 2005) and a three-time defensive player of the year (2000, 2002 and 2003).

"I like to think I have some history there," Swoopes said. "It's going to be strange to be back but in a very good way. I'm really looking forward to it."

Francis said she can expect butterflies during warmups, but a feeling of comfort during the game.

"You get a little nervous, but when you are back on the court with your former teammates, it feels like an old day at practice," Francis said. "She will have a lot of fun."

The crowd's reaction to Swoopes is expected to be warm, but only to a point.

"It's like this," Francis said. "We want to see Sheryl play well, but we want the Comets to win the game."